Strengthen Access, Workforce, and Patient Care
January 9, 2026 (INDIANAPOLIS) — The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) today announced its legislative priorities for the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly, focusing on ensuring continued access to care, protecting our essential workforce, and reducing unnecessary barriers that stand between Hoosiers and affordable, high-quality health care.
“Indiana hospitals are committed to ensuring every Hoosier has access to affordable, high-quality care,” said Scott B. Tittle, president of the Indiana Hospital Association. “Our legislative agenda reflects the urgent need to strengthen the health care system, support our dedicated workforce, and preserve the nonprofit missions that allow hospitals to serve their communities.”
IHA’s key legislative priorities for 2026 include:
ACCESS TO CARE: Medicaid Rates
IHA will advocate for continued implementation of legislation enacted in 2025 that increases Medicaid reimbursement for all hospitals at no cost to the State, funded by fees paid by Indiana hospitals.
Dr. Brad Barrett, Chairman of the House Public Health Committee, has introduced legislation that would put guardrails in place to ensure the law is carried out as intended, helping hospitals maintain critical services statewide. House Bill (HB) 1385 ensures Medicare is the floor for hospital reimbursement and that the fees paid by Indiana hospitals go to their intended purpose – funding the Healthy Indiana Plan and increasing reimbursement for hospitals.
“With Indiana Medicaid only reimbursing 57 cents on the dollar on average for every Medicaid patient seen, Medicaid reimbursement reform is essential. IHA supports HB 1385 as it seeks to provide stability ahead of the impacts of the federal reconciliation bill, which is expected to result in the loss of $12.7B dollars to Indiana hospitals over the next decade,” shared Tittle.
WORKFORCE: Health Care Worker Protections
IHA supports enhancing criminal penalties for battery against health care workers as part of a multi-pronged approach to improve workplace safety. HB 1040 would bring accountability for battery committed against any health care employee whose responsibilities involve contact or interaction with a patient.
Tittle stated, “We know HB 1040 is only one tool in the toolbox, but it demonstrates to our health care workforce that we see them, we stand with them, and we will not tolerate violence committed against them, as Indiana hospitals continue to implement other strategies across the state.”
PAYOR REFORMS: Barriers to Practice and Payment
IHA will work to reform payor policies that delay patient care, reduce appropriate provider payments, and complicate the patient experience. HB 1271 prohibits unnecessary downcoding and recoupments, tactics used far too often by insurers, that redirect hospital resources from what is most important – high-quality patient care.
In addition, HB 1279 would require insurers, not health care providers, to collect any cost-sharing requirements under their health plans, such as co-pays and deductibles, and allow patients to pay any cost-sharing requirements throughout the year.
“Far too often health care providers are tasked with implementing insurer policies. HB 1279 would streamline the patient experience and hold insurers accountable for implementation of their health plan design,” added Tittle.
COMMUNITY IMPACT: Protect Hospital Nonprofit Status
IHA will advocate for preserving hospitals’ nonprofit status, ensuring they can continue delivering quality care while meeting the unique needs of their communities in alignment with their charitable missions.
Tittle stated, “Indiana’s nonprofit hospitals are proud of the community benefit they provide, but we urge any legislation to be aimed at improving patient access and supporting high-quality care, not creating additional administrative burdens.”